Karan Johar’s sudden weight loss got the Internet abuzz with speculation, with many hinting at prescription drugs and extreme methods undertaken to fit the film industry’s unrealistic beauty standards. Taking matters into his own hands, Johar has come clean, attributing his transformation to a strict diet and exercise routine. During an Instagram live session, Johar revealed that he is in the “pink of health, and never been better.”
“It started with me discovering…that I needed to correct my blood levels,” the Koffee with Karan host told his audience, mentioning that he is currently on medication to do so. Dismissing Ozempic rumours, he clarified that his weight loss and physical transformation are the result of a strict diet plan that limits him to “just one meal a day,” along with “swimming and padel ball” to support his fitness goals.
Intrigued, we turned to health experts to understand how these measuress can help one lose weight.
How can one meal a day support weight loss goals?
Shruti K Bhardwaj, chief dietician, Zydus Hospitals, Ahmedabad, told indianexpress.com that OMAD or One Meal a Day diet is a form of intermittent fasting where individuals eat only one meal within 24 hours and fast for the remaining time of 23 hours. It typically involves consuming all daily caloric intake in one sitting, often within a one-hour window, she said.
According to her, the OMAD diet might be suitable for individuals looking to lose weight or improve metabolic health, as it can lead to calorie restriction and potential benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity and fat loss. “However, it is essential to ensure that the single meal is balanced and provides all necessary nutrients,” she stressed.
And why is it essential to get bloodwork done?
Dr Srinidhi Nathany, consultant, molecular haematology and oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said that before starting on a weight loss journey, a detailed baseline bloodwork panel is essential. “Blood biomarkers provide critical insights into an individual’s metabolic health, hormonal status, nutritional deficiencies, and even genetic predispositions that could impact fat metabolism, appetite regulation, and exercise tolerance,” she said.
Getting your bloodwork done is vastly beneficial to your weight loss journey (Source: Freepik)
What are some key blood parameters to asses?
Dr Nathany listed out seven essential parameters to keep an eye on before deciding to lose weight:
1. Thyroid Profile (TSH, Free T3, Free T4): Hypothyroidism is a commonly underdiagnosed reason for unexplained weight gain or inability to lose weight. Correcting thyroid dysfunction is foundational before expecting results from diet or exercise.
Story continues below this ad
2. Insulin and Fasting Glucose / HOMA-IR: Insulin resistance is at the core of metabolic syndrome. Individuals with elevated insulin levels often struggle with fat loss despite calorie deficits. Early identification allows for dietary tweaks such as low-glycemic or ketogenic interventions.
3. Lipid Profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides): Abnormal cholesterol levels may indicate a need for dietary fat modulation and could reflect liver health, which impacts fat processing.
4. Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Iron Studies (Ferritin, TIBC): Deficiencies here are linked to fatigue, poor muscle recovery, and suboptimal energy metabolism—factors that derail exercise consistency.
5. Liver and Kidney Function Tests (LFT, KFT): These ensure the body’s detoxification and excretory systems are ready for metabolic shifts during weight loss.
Story continues below this ad
6. Cortisol and DHEA (Adrenal Function): Chronic stress can elevate cortisol, which promotes abdominal fat deposition and blunts weight loss efforts. Functional testing can guide interventions like sleep regulation and adaptogen support.
7. CRP and Inflammatory Markers: Low-grade chronic inflammation interferes with insulin sensitivity and cellular metabolism. Targeted anti-inflammatory strategies can improve response to weight loss programs.
Shuchita Sharma, Dietitian, Kokialben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore, added that bloodwork also gives us insight into our sex hormones (Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone, LH/FSH), which is key to understanding hormonal imbalances that affect fat storage and appetite.
“By understanding these variants, we that can tailor diets (low carb, high protein, Mediterranean, etc.), optimize exercise routines (endurance vs resistance training), and even customize supplement strategies for maximum efficacy and compliance,” added Dr Nathany.
Story continues below this ad
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
